bosch batteries.

[Kudoscycles]

As I have often repeated the price of these German batteries is intentionally kept high so as to deter anyone buying a replacement,the German system works on the basis of the bike having minimal value after 2-3 years making the purchase of a new bike looking more attractive than battery replacement-it is hardly green though. Interestingly I have just come back from Memmingen (really lovely town and only 90 mins from Stansted by Ryanair) and without exception all the e-bike shops were discounting high end bikes from Euro 1800 to Euro 11/1200 so maybe the Germans are thinking twice about these high costs. There were also several new offerings (Redirect) with good spec bikes in the 1100-1200 euro range-prices appear to be getting more realistic even in Germany.
Dave
KudosCycles

 

[eddieo]

I see from jhruk's excellent graph on other thread that the Kalkhoff 10 Ah battery is 260 watts and costs £403. The Bosch 36v battery is 288 watt I think. I would be happy to pay £500 when need be, not to happy with £600 though...

this thread getting a bit hysterical as to me its the overall price of the bike as a package and whether it offers value that is important. The KTM Bosch we had was £1800, a lot of Kalkhoff's cost similar monies and new 36v a hell of a lot more.

 

[Kenny]

I wouldn't say it's getting hysterical Eddie. I think the Bosch powered bikes are excellent but theres no getting away from the fact that their battery's are way overpriced.
I'm sure, like myself, most Panasonic powered owners will purchase the Kalkhoff 18A battery, when replacement is needed, rather than the 10A as it gives 80% more range for only 25% extra cost so when you compare this to the Bosch battery, the Bosch is almost twice the price.

 

[eddieo]

Yes Kenny you are right, just referred to excellent graph again (which should be made a sticky and updated when necessary) and the 18 Ah Kalkhoff is 408 watt so a lot better value. I still prefer the Bosch bikes though.....

 

[tillson]

Yes Kenny you are right, just referred to excellent graph again (which should be made a sticky and updated when necessary) and the 18 Ah Kalkhoff is 408 watt so a lot better value. I still prefer the Bosch bikes though.....

Fully agree. The battery cost table should be a Sticky and updated periodically. Of course, it doesn't take into account battery quality and expected service life, all of which have a bearing on overall cost. But it does give a good starting point for comparison.

How do we make this happen?

 

[NRG]

Before you make it happen who's going to 'make it happen' ! IE: Somebody will need to update it on a regular basis.....

 

[Eaglerider]

I have just recently been told by a uk dealer that bosch are looking for £600 pounds for a replacement battery,.?

Well, at that price I will certainly not be troubling Bosch with any of my hard-earned readies. I can't imagine a more efficient way to destroy the residual values of any bike fitted with a Bosch System.

Thanks for the warning!

 

[tillson]

Before you make it happen who's going to 'make it happen' ! IE: Somebody will need to update it on a regular basis.....

A volunteer?

 

[flecc]

As I've remarked in that other thread, constant price updating is not as vital as it might seem. The relative positions of suppliers and types is important, but that rarely changes:

My post in that thread

 

[NRG]

A volunteer?

Where? I didn't see one...

 

[flecc]

Where? I didn't see one...

And maybe we won't. That chart was quite an achievement, given the obscurity of many of these prices, and updating will be difficult. Changes in the batteries themselves make it even more problematic. For example, there are three types of 8 Ah battery for the Panasonic units. The first is not compatible with later units and their 10 Ah battery mounting, the second is, and the third is made by BMZ, not Panasonic.

There are carrier mounted and frame mounted batteries of similar electrical measures from some manufacturers, so odd price differences can result from those physical differences as well.

 

[tillson]

Where? I didn't see one...

They're very rare things.

 

[flecc]

They're very rare things.

Proof that the human race does get wiser with experience.

 

[Kudoscycles]

I am surprised that almost every new bike that is released seems to have a need for a new size/shape/mount.....we have 3 new bikes for release spring 2012....our ECO bike uses the same battery as the King,City,Tourer and Liberty.....our SAFARI bike(details soon) uses the same battery as the Duke and Duchess....to be honest the only reason all these bikes don't use the same battery is that the suppliers are 1000 miles apart. We also have a lightweight folder named SECRET-18 kg,36v,220watt motor,hidden 8Ah battery c/w transport bag....this will use a special lightweight battery to keep weight to a minimum but with reasonable range,this bike is quite lively.
Do all the Bosch powered bikes use the same battery?
Dave
KudosCycles

 

[flecc]

I am surprised that almost every new bike that is released seems to have a need for a new size/shape/mount.

Do all the Bosch powered bikes use the same battery?
Dave
KudosCycles

True. The one outstanding exception is eZee, they've kept to the same frame mount battery casing and connections for all models from the beginning, with NiMh, li-ion and li-polymer freely interchangeable.

All the Bosch unit bikes use the same 36 volt 8 Ah battery and mounting. Hopefully any larger capacity they introduce will be fully compatible for space and fitting.

 

[eddieo]

Over on German Pedelec this is often discussed and the genral feeling is (Bosch contribute to forum) That there is no new battery in the imminent future.

There are rumblings of a NEW Bosch system with a chance of a bigger battery in 2013 but this is a bit speculative....